The Chocolate City was the embodiment of Go go and R & B, so the idea of hip hop was laid to rest. Chuck Brown, Rare Essence, and others were prominently featured throughout the city and the origins of Go go paved the way for the emergence of hip hop in the District. When I moved to Virginia years ago I had no idea D.C. would be a breeding ground for rap music especially since most of music that I heard from the District revolved around Go go or R & B singers (Nonchalant, Raheem DeVaughn etc). Most of the music that I listened to either came from Southern Virginia (Clipse for example) or the Richmond area (Skillz, Born Unique, etc). The DMV is a breeding ground for hip-hop thanks to Wale, Marky, Tabi Bonney, Ra the MC, and more. I have included a list of artists representing the DMV please feel free to add to the list.

Damn - I didn't know Asheru and Wale were from DC. You learn something new everyday - I'm more of a beat guy and this list seems more MC oriented, but are you down with Damu? I've seen you around on Strictly beats for a minute, And your from DC, so that's prob. a dumbass question on my part. Just had to throw that in there cos dude is mad talented.

BTW I added this page to my Blogroll - Not expecting it in return, I don't do it for that reason, but come check out my spot ( http://dntz.blogspot.com ) and if you deem it worthy feel free to link to me. I'm on this shameless self promotion tip; going through a divorce, raising my 4 year old son on my own, holding down a job and getting blinted daily. It's a juggling act and we all got a part to play.

Wale is definitely at the forefront of the D.C. movement, he is one of the best if you ask me, Kokayi is great also, I saw him when he opened up for KRS-One, he killed it, I know Asheru from The Boondocks, need to peep more of his stuff...